7. Autonomic nervous system, hypothalamus and pituitary gland

The autonomic nervous system originates in the hypothalamus. It has two parts: a sympathetic system, with neurons in the lateral horns of the spinal cord and the prevertebral nuclei, and a parasympathetic system, with nuclei in the medulla oblongata and the conus of the spinal cord. The final neurons of the parasympathetic system are located close to the organs they serve, in contrast to other peripheral neurons, which are located in or close to the spinal cord. In each organ of the body, there is interaction between the two parts of the autonomic nervous system. This chapter considers in turn the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, cardiovascular regulation, pupillomotor control, and control of the bladder and bowels.